Mukhtar Tasks Stakeholders on Innovative Solutions to End Dairy Importation

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has charged all stakeholders in the dairy industry to develop innovative Ideas that will end dairy importation in the country.

The Minister made the call during his keynote address at the National Dairy Policy Implementation Framework Validation Workshop Organised by the Ministry, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition and other relevant stakeholders in Abuja on Tuesday, November 4th, 2025.

The Minister urged participants to rigorously examine the draft implementation framework, identify bottlenecks, and propose practical solutions that would accelerate Nigeria’s journey toward self-sufficiency in dairy production.

“Let us scrutinise the draft implementation framework, identify bottlenecks, and propose innovative solutions that will accelerate our journey to self-sufficiency.

Let us leave this workshop with a clear, actionable roadmap that will ensure that within the shortest possible time, the milk consumed in every Nigerian home is proudly our own and sustainably sourced from our farms,” Maiha said.

The Minister explained that the 1.5 billion US dollars Nigeria currently spends on dairy imports annually should not be viewed as a fixed cost, but rather as a potential investment in the country’s future.

“It is a challenge that, when overcome, will unlock unprecedented economic growth, improve the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, and strengthen our national resilience,” he added.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, emphasized that with effective collaboration among government agencies, private sector actors, farmers, academia, and development partners, Nigeria can unlock the immense opportunities across the dairy value chain. He noted that this would create jobs, empower rural communities, and significantly reduce import dependency.

Delivering her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, observed that the Nigerian dairy sector has faced persistent challenges, including low milk yield, poor breed quality, weak market linkages, and limited access to finance, inputs, and modern technologies for smallholder farmers.

Represented by the Director, Ruminants and Monogastric Division, Mr. Victor Egbon, Dr. Akujobi expressed optimism that Nigeria possesses the livestock population, human capacity, and determination to transform these challenges into opportunities.

“What we have often lacked is a unified and results-driven approach to bring all stakeholders under one coordinated direction,” she stated.

Stakeholders at the event were drawn from Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition, CODARAN, GIZ, and other development partners.

Ogochukwu Igboamalu
Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Information)
Press and Public Relations
4th November, 2025.